Shantell Nolen is a Graduate Student at the University of California, Irvine. In the summer of 2017, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore to Portland, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Cancer changed the direction of my life. As a kid all I wanted to do was direct movies. I wanted to help people and change the world through the stories I told onscreen. That is until my great grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was my hero, my rock, and the focal point of my family. When she passed away in 2001 it nearly tore me apart. In 12 short years of life, through her unconditional love, wisdom and faith, she not only showed me who I was, but taught me who I could be. It wasn't long after she was gone that I found the best way to honor her memory was to live my life as best I could, in her image. And that's why I decided to pursue cancer research and commit to supporting the cancer community through service events and amazing organizations like Camp Kesem.

Why are you traveling over 4000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults?

I am riding this summer for my great grandmother, the cancer families at Camp Kesem and every young adult at UCIMC battling cancer. There is a small degree of seperation betwen someone you know and someone who has been impacted by cancer. Every person fighting this disease deserves an army of resources and support. During the most crucial time in their life when they should be making desicions about family, career, travel, etc., young adults with cancer fight their disease with unmatched fortitude and grace. So when I heard about UCF from a 4k for Cancer alumni, I jumped at the opportunity to cycle across the country for this cause and connect with people faced with cancer all over the US. I know this ride will push the boudaries of myself both physically and mentally. However, the positive impacrt we will have helping others will be life changing. As we bike across the country I hope to be a light for young adults battling cancer. Because their courage and resilience has already inspired me and been a light for me.

To every young adult I get to meet this summer. You, your family matter, and your story matter to so many people. Thank you for having the courage and strenght to share it with us. Continue to fight. I'm looking forward to meeting you all and embracing the beauty of this country one ride at a time. Thanks UCF for your tireless efforts to ensure no young adult faces cancer alone and for trusting me with your mission and this incredible cause. To my teammates on TEAM PORTLAND, I'm excited to get to know all of you over the next 70 days and be united on this journey together. LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN!!!

To all of my supporters...

Thank you so much for your contribution to my page.Your support means the world to me. Because 90% of all donations to the Ulman Cancer Fund go directly to patients, you have changed the life of a young adult with cancer today, as a result of your donation. Please remember to leave your home address so I can mail you postcards and photos from the road. You are just as much apart of this great cause as I am. Also, check back here at 4kshantell.com after June 4th to follow my vlog. I will be posting videos and stories weekly.

ABOUT 2017 4K for Cancer

2017 marks the 16th year of the 4K for Cancer sending young adults on journeys across the country in an effort to inspire hope and unite communities in the fight against cancer. The 4K for Cancer is a program of The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF). Interested in joining the fight? Apply to be a rider or runner at www.4kforcancer.org!

Challenge:

Over 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer every year. Young adults (ages 15-39) face a variety of unique challenges with a cancer diagnosis including fertility preservation, social isolation, lack of insurance, delayed diagnosis, and more.

Solution:

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. With your support, the Ulman Cancer Fund is able to provide free support services and resources for the young adult cancer community including:

Cancer to 5K - a 12-week training program designed to introduce or reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity.

Patient Navigation - a free program (onsite at cancer centers and remotely through our office) that ensures no young adult ever faces cancer alone. We provide one-on-one support & resources to young adults and their families to help them manage the cancer experience and long-term cancer survival.

Scholarships - a financial assistance program to help young adults continue their education after being affected by cancer through their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one.

UCF House - This year UCF broke ground on a “home away from home” to provide free housing for young adult cancer patients, and their caregivers, in East Baltimore.

Your donation will help make these programs and our mission possible!

Supporters

Name

Date

Amount

Comments

Vickie Mortensen

09/06/2017

$50.00

Laurie Muench

08/11/2017

$100.00

Thanks for your inspiration and enthusiasm. It is people like you who make a difference in this world.
Laurie

Cheryl McDonald

07/31/2017

$50.00

Thank you Shantell for taking the time to explain about what all the bikes were doing at the YMCA in Spokane. You spoke with such enthusiasm, conviction and compassion about what the fundraiser was about. Prayers for all your way for the next 12 days!

Paul and Mary Stultz

07/03/2017

$50.00

This is for Rider Shantel Nolan's fund raising account. Shantel is on the Portland ride.

Mike Puritz

05/22/2017

$50.00

Proud of you!! Good luck and Go Eaters Tri!!!

Masha Jones

05/17/2017

$20.00

Let's ride BIKES!!

Racheal Burgess

05/16/2017

$50.00

Keka Robinson-Luqman

05/16/2017

$122.79

I am so very proud of you. Keep going forward!

Jenell Krishnan

05/16/2017

$50.00

Go, Shantell!!!

Christine Chilaka

05/16/2017

$50.00

Go Shantell!!!

Jackie Kuniyoshi

05/04/2017

$20.00

Thank you for dedicating yourself to this important cause!

Mikaela Smith

05/01/2017

$20.00

Go Shantell Go!

Erin Burke

04/28/2017

$20.00

Good luck!! Team HB is proud of you!

Krystie Franco

04/28/2017

$25.00

Good Luck Shantell!! Murdy staff is cheering you on all the way!

Acorn Physical Therapy

04/28/2017

$100.00

Madalyne Handy

04/21/2017

$20.00

So pumped for your journey!!

Joanna Ngo

04/21/2017

$10.00

Good luck, Shantell!

Edwina Donaldson

04/21/2017

$100.00

Thank you for caring about others, have a great ride

Susan and Jerry Mercer

04/19/2017

$250.00

Rosemary Price

04/17/2017

$50.00

Don and Lisa Clay

04/12/2017

$100.00

Shantell,
We're so proud of you!
Love you.

Olivia Humphrey

04/11/2017

$20.00

Yeaah buddy

LaRay Imani Price

04/11/2017

$100.00

Alexis Sales

04/11/2017

$10.00

Love you boo...keep being amazing!

Tam Phan

04/11/2017

$10.00

Ah so close! Let me help you get your April goal's reached! Love you so much!

Ben and Jerrys

04/06/2017

$547.90

Tam Phan

04/05/2017

$40.00

You got this! I believe in you!

Aaron Burgess

03/31/2017

$100.00

Moore Family

03/31/2017

$100.00

Mama, Auntie, and Uncle love you baby! See you at the finish line

Teila Moorer

03/30/2017

$25.00

Diane Ortiz

03/30/2017

$100.00

Anthony Caballero

03/30/2017

$25.00

Keep on cruising Shantell!!! Come visit Alex and I up in Sacramento soon!

Adeya Byrd

03/30/2017

$20.00

great cause, have fun and be safe

Grace Lee

03/30/2017

$40.00

Ryan Lewis

03/30/2017

$20.00

Go Shantell, go!

Roschoune Franklin

03/30/2017

$20.00

Ashton Grays

03/30/2017

$20.00

I hope you make your March Fundraising Goal!!!!! I love you!

Kristina Louissaint

03/30/2017

$25.00

So proud of you!
Can't wait to follow you on this journey for a special cause!

Jacob G Carrasco

03/25/2017

$400.00

John Alejandro

03/22/2017

$50.00

Danita Wallace

03/16/2017

$50.00

Good luck Shantell!

Helain A Hence

03/16/2017

$50.00

Paul Lovette

03/15/2017

$100.00

Tasha The Great

03/15/2017

$22.00

Go teezy go!

Rebecca Thompson

03/15/2017

$10.00

Good luck, Shantell!

Chipotle Mexican Grill

03/15/2017

$416.95

Alana Banks

03/07/2017

$20.00

Good luck tezzy

Masha Jones

03/06/2017

$30.00

Send me a post card! :D

Emily Vuu

03/04/2017

$5.00

You're very inspiring! Good luck on the trip, we're rooting for you!

Samantha Doyle

03/01/2017

$40.00

You're a rockstar Shantell... Love you!

Zahra Nemati

02/22/2017

$20.00

Christine Chilaka

02/21/2017

$50.00

You rock!

Michelle Chan

02/20/2017

$100.00

For my captain, my sister

AP Irvine, LLC

02/09/2017

$30.76

Shawn & Danielle Haynes

01/23/2017

$200.00

Shanatelli, we love you so much. You are amazing. Your heart and love for others is truly inspiring. Have a wonderful ride and God bless!

Aaron Friedman

01/23/2017

$40.00

Andrea Joubert-Ruffin

01/22/2017

$10.00

Soror all the luck to you as you embark on this journey.

Anthony Caballero

01/19/2017

$20.00

From Tony and Alex! Thinking of you from Sacramento!

Lawrence Gregge

01/11/2017

$70.00

Whatever It Takes Champ!

Janielle Vidal

11/29/2016

$10.00

Godspeed.

Claire Richards

11/01/2016

$50.00

EASIEST BIKE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE

Booster Campaign 1

10/21/2016

$162.60

Her passion to help cancer patients inspires me to help in whatever way I can
- Racheal "mommy" Burgess
Dear Shantell, I would love to be with you for this amazing cause.
- Geetika
So honored to be part of your journey.
- Sheila and Neal
Go friend go! You are amazing!!! I lost my dad to cancer 4 years ago and it's people like you who make that loss a little easier with the amazing work you're doing! I love you and I'm so proud of you!
- Jenna Arzinger
Shantell's an oncologist & my mother recently passed away after a 3rd battle with cancer (stomach).
- Demini Charlot